What do you need to do on the day of the match and before the start of the game?

 

 

BEFORE LEAVING HOME -

 

Make sure you are organised! Allow yourself plenty of time. Be calm. Be in control from the moment you get up!

 

1. Make sure you are smart and well presented - clean kit, socks pulled up, clean boots - looking the part will give you an instant air of authority with the players, spectators and coaches

2. Make sure you have all of your kit - whistle, cards, match sheet in your refs wallet, pencil, stopwatch, coin for tossing, flags

3. If it is bad weather, contact the home team the night before to check things are still OK and contact them again just before you leave to confirm the game is still on

4. Take your mobile with you and make sure you have the contact details of the manager with you. There is nothng worse than turning up at a ground where you think the game is only to find it all locked up

5. Allow plenty of time for traffic. Aim to get to the ground around 30 mins before kick off. If you are coming from another game, make sure the managers are aware of this - it is common courtesy and all part of good communication

 

 

ON ARRIVAL AT THE GROUND -

 

1. MAKE SURE YOU ARE AT THE GROUND AROUND 30 MINS BEFORE KICK OFF. Arriving less than ten minutes before the game (unless  you've given notice and a reason beforehand) is discourteous, shows lack of interest and will not allow you time to do the required inspection and checks. Managers will be asked to report referees who turn up late

2. Introduce yourself to the managers

3. Clarify the rules that you are playing dependent on the age group. Obviously mini soccer games may have flexibility on foul throws, retreat lines, back passes etc. Take control by telling what you would normally do and ask them if they are happy with that

4. If it is a U11 to U14 game find out who will be your assistant refs. Tell them what you would like them to do and how you want them to do it. It is your game.

5. For U9 to U14s ask for and collect the team sheets off each manager 15 minutes before the advertised kick off time. Report any mangers who fail to supply them. This is MANDATORY and you will be in trouble for failing to enforce this league rule.

6. Inspect the playing surface for any dangers; ask for the match ball and check it has the right pressure; assess the size of the pitch and goals to ensure they are the correct size for the age group; inspect the goals for any holes - get the home team to repair them/rectify the problem if you are not happy 

 

PRIOR TO THE KICK OFF - 

 

1. Five minutes before the appointed kick off time call the teams into the centre of the pitch - a good idea is to stand in the centre circle and give a blast on your whistle and wave them in - this again shows you are in charge. 

2. Oversee the ID check - All teams are aware that a YEL verified ID for each player must be produced using the GOTfootball sheets or any mobile device which can access the GOTfootball website. IF CHECKS ARE NOT COMPLETED BY EITHER/BOTH OF THE TEAMS YOU SHOULD ADVISE THE MANAGERS THAT THE GAME WILL BE NULL AND VOID AND THE RESULT OF ANY MATCH TAKING PLACE WILL NOT BE VALID. YOU MUST THEN REPORT THE OFFENDING TEAM(S) TO THE YEL AS THIS IS MANDATORY UNDER LEAGUE RULES. You will be in trouble if you do not report it and we become aware of it.

3. If the card check is carried out and a player is not on the registered ID list he cannot take part in the game. No questions, No exceptions

4. Oversee the RESPECT handshake and complete the coin toss

 

THERE IS A LOT TO DO PRIOR TO THE START OF THE GAME

 

Always ensure whatever you do, you do in a friendly but positive manner.

This will promote confidence and respect in you and your ability right from the outset and confirm that you are in command of the situation